Chapter 379

Vivian's pupils constricted sharply.

Ethan's words carried hidden meaning, putting her instantly on guard.

"What are you implying?" She took half a step back, eyes wary. "Listen carefully—whether Natalie lives or dies is her own fate. Don't interfere."

Her teeth sank into her lower lip.

"And don't you dare use 'for my sake' as an excuse. I refuse to bail you out of jail."

Ethan suddenly laughed.

"So defensive. Worried about me?"

"Don't flatter yourself." Vivian turned her face away. "I just don't want to be implicated."

He didn't argue, the amusement in his gaze deepening.

"It's late. Let me take you home."

A glance at his wristwatch.

"Get some rest. Don't overthink things."

"Unnecessary." Her brows knitted. "Worry about yourself—I'd hate for you to drop dead from exhaustion."

"Not happening."

Ethan massaged his temples.

"I'm catching a flight right after dropping you off." A pause. "Just wanted to see you a little longer."

Vivian stared at him incredulously.

"You flew for hours just for this brief visit?"

"Couldn't focus without seeing you."

Before she could react, his arms encircled her.

Vivian stiffened, ready to push away—until his weary voice murmured above her.

"Stay still. Just for a moment."

His labored breathing betrayed prolonged sleep deprivation.

Her hands hovered midair.

Finally, she exhaled sharply.

"Three minutes."

Ethan tightened his embrace, face buried in her hair.

When the time elapsed, he released her.

A black sedan waited silently by the curb.

He opened the door, watching until she was safely inside.

Only when Vivian's apartment lights flickered on did he turn away.

She stood by the window, fingers unconsciously twisting the curtain fabric.

Ethan's silhouette gradually dissolved into the night.

Her pulse remained erratic.

She'd resolved to move on, yet this man effortlessly disrupted her equilibrium.

Crossing continents out of concern. Appearing without warning.

Vivian couldn't afford to trust again.

The risk of history repeating was too great.

Moonlight cast cold brilliance through the glass.

She remained motionless for hours.

At dawn, Isabella and Lucas arrived in a frenzy.

"Viv!"

Isabella seized her shoulders, scanning her urgently.

"That lunatic Natalie—has she completely lost it?"

Lucas's expression darkened.

"Self-inflicted disaster. That scourge deserves permanent disappearance."

Vivian poured water calmly.

"I'm unharmed."

Her lips pressed together.

"But she'll never recover from this."

The hospital update was grim.

After overnight emergency treatment, Natalie survived—but with multiple fractures.

Most critically, nerve damage in her legs. Doctors confirmed she'd likely never walk again.